Bill > S1084

This bill proposes to transfer Bridgewater State Hospital from the Department of Corrections to the Department of Mental Health. The key provisions include: 1. Transferring the responsibility for the operation and oversight of Bridgewater State Hospital to the Commissioner of Mental Health, who will provide all medical and mental health treatment for individuals sent to the facility. 2. Establishing a Division of Forensic Mental Health Services within the Department of Mental Health to provide services such as court-ordered evaluations, competence restoration programs, and specialized risk assessments. 3. Removing references to the "medical director of Bridgewater State Hospital" throughout the relevant sections of Chapter 123 of the General Laws, as the hospital will now be under the purview of the Department of Mental Health. 4. Requiring the Commissioner of Mental Health to approve the transfer of any patient from Bridgewater State Hospital to another facility if the patient is no longer in need of strict security. 5. Mandating the Commissioner of Mental Health to review and sign all restraint forms for patients within 30 days and maintain statistical records on the use of restraints. The bill aims to align the management and treatment of individuals at Bridgewater State Hospital with the standards and practices of the Department of Mental Health, rather than the Department of Corrections.

Health and Social Services

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/190/S1084